Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Another warm, sunny day with high overnight freezing levels means it's important to start (and finish) your day early. Look for objectives on north facing terrain without cornices overhead, and plan your egress route carefully.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure, with sunny skies and high freezing levels is dominating the weather pattern this week.

Thursday night - Clear / light to moderate northeast wind / alpine low temperature near 1 / freezing level 2500 m

Friday - Sunny / light northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 7 / freezing level 3000 m

Saturday - Sunny / light west wind / alpine high temperature near 8 / freezing level 3000 m

Sunday - Mainly sunny with increasing cloud in the afternoon / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near 7 / freezing level 3000 m

Avalanche Summary

There have been several recent reports of wet loose avalanches up to size 2 on south aspects.

Looking forward, wet loose avalanches are expected on solar aspects with sunny weather and high freezing levels. Cornice failures will also become more likely. Wind slabs may still be possible to trigger in on north aspects in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is likely a crust in most areas. Sunshine and rising freezing levels are expected to quickly soften the surface crust during the day. Dry snow may still be found on high elevation north aspects.The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.

Terrain and Travel

The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.

Problems

Loose Wet

Surface snow will lose cohesion and become unstable with sun and warm temperatures.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are at their largest at this time of year, and become weaker with warm temperatures and solar radiation.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2021 4:00PM